Question 1

UPCOMING FALL 2026 (2026-2027) AGE GROUP CHANGES

Accepted Answer

As announced previously, the major National Youth Soccer Associations – US Youth Soccer (USYS), American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), and US Club Soccer – have agreed to adopt an age group formation cycle running from August 1 to July 31, beginning with each organization’s 2026–2027 season/registration year. The State Associations within which NCSL operates have adopted the same registration schedule, as required.

Accordingly, beginning in August 2026 for the 2026–27 season/registration year, CYA Soccer as well as governing bodies/leagues, will adopt the August 1 to July 31 age groupings.

The following table shows the relevant age groupings for the 2026–27 season.

Age Group	Birth Date Range (2026–27 Season)
     U9	                Born between Aug 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018
     U10	                Born between Aug 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017
     U11	                Born between Aug 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016
     U12	                Born between Aug 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015
     U13	                Born between Aug 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014
     U14	                Born between Aug 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013
     U15	                Born between Aug 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012
     U16	                Born between Aug 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011
     U17	                Born between Aug 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010
     U18	                Born between Aug 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009
     U19	                Born between Aug 1, 2007 – July 31, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this change being made?
The entire U.S. soccer ecosystem was unified under an August 1 to July 31 age-group registration system until 2017. In that year, U.S. Soccer mandated that all teams switch to a calendar-year system to align with the registration systems used for national teams across the world. That calendar-year system has not translated well in the United States, where registrations are more often school based, both at the grade school and college levels. It also created a large pool of “trapped” players who were unable to register in 8th and 12th grades. U.S. Soccer revised its policy this past year, and the major national associations determined that a return to the prior school-year–based system was warranted.
My child has a birthday after August 1. Is he or she required to repeat an age group?
Not necessarily. Players are encouraged to play within their assigned age groups, but a club has the authority to decide whether to “play a player up” with an older age group. No player may play “down” with a younger age group.
My child is a year behind age level in school. Can they play with their school grade?
No. The new system is commonly referred to as a “grade-level” system, and in most cases it will align with grade level, but a player may not play on a team that is below where their birth year would place them.
Is my team required to change?
All registrations must be made on the August–July system, so yes, every team must follow the mandate. However, clubs may choose to register their 2025–26 teams with the same rosters in 2026–27. In that case, any players born between August 1 and December 31 would simply play up a year. All teams should consult with their clubs regarding club policy.
Can my player play up?
Yes. Leagues provide the flexibility to clubs to make all player placement decisions. As long as no player plays below their assigned age group, the club may place each player on the team that is most appropriate for the player.
When does the new policy go into effect?
The new policy goes into effect for the 2026–27 seasonal year, which begins in August 2026.
Is recreational soccer also affected by this policy?
Yes. All soccer registrations under U.S. Soccer–affiliated organizations are affected by this mandatory policy.

Question 2

DOES MY CHILD NEED EXPERIENCE TO PLAY CYA SOCCER?

Accepted Answer

No experience is necessary in our recreational program! We welcome players of all levels!

Question 3

WHEN AND WHERE ARE THE GAMES PLAYED?

Accepted Answer

All Bantam games are held at Sully Highlands Park, and Junior/Senior games are played in the Chantilly area, typically at local Middle and Elementary schools and parks. Most house league games are on Saturdays, but the game times will vary from week to week (typically first game kicks-off about 8:30 am and the final game is over before 5pm). For Senior players, games are not only at home, but also around the Northern Virginia area up to an hour away. At times Sunday games may be scheduled due to field availability, make-up games, and level of participation.

Question 4

ARE SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?

Accepted Answer

CYA participates in the Fairfax County Youth Sports Scholarship Program for recreational sport programs.  To qualify for this program, you must be a Fairfax County resident, and each season, provide a copy of your approved Fairfax County Lunch Letter or Medicaid card and complete the application (linked below). Paperwork is not retained season to season.  Also, please note that assistance, for those who qualify, is available for one sport - per season - per player and does not apply to multi-sport CYA players, camps/clinics or competitive sport programs (valid for recreational/house programs only).

IMPORTANT!  All participants who are approved for financial aid MUST pay half of the standard registration fee.  No player will be assigned to a team until the registration fee is received.  Please be aware that the registration confirmation is on the payment date, not the registration date.  This is important to note as a delay in payment may result in a Wait List status rather than Active.  Also, please be aware that late Financial Assistance payments are not excluded from late fees; registration must be Active.

Please email your completed application and a copy of your player's Fairfax County Lunch Letter/Medicaid card to sports@chantillyyouth.org (mailto:sports@chantillyyouth.org)on completion of your registration.  Once received, the assistance discount will be applied to the registration fee that will allow the registration to be completed and fee paid for the upcoming season.

Thank you!

Application - English (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/sites/neighborhood-community-services/files/Assets/documents/Athletics/Scholarship/Youth%20Scholarship%20Application%20-%20English.pdf)
Application - Spanish (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/sites/neighborhood-community-services/files/Assets/documents/Athletics/Scholarship/Youth%20Scholarship%20Application%20-%20Spanish.pdf)

Question 5

WHEN WILL WE HEAR FROM THE COACH?

Accepted Answer

Age group coordinators start putting the teams together after the late registration period starts and typically the rosters are released to the coaches approximately 2 weeks before the season starts (Fall season starts in early September and Spring season starts in early April). Please do not e-mail/call before then as we will be unable to tell you who your child’s coach is until the rosters are finalized. You can determine your child’s coach by logging into the registration system using your personal information and clicking on the team name (if there is one) beside her name, but note that this is subject to change any time before the rosters are released to the coaches, and don’t worry of there’s no team name there yet - it simply means that the coordinator has not finished building teams.

Question 6

WHEN ARE PRACTICE TIMES AND HOW MANY DAYS PER WEEK?

Accepted Answer

U4-U6 only practice & play on Saturdays.
U7 practice once a week at the Academy.
U8 practices once a week at the Academy and once with their coach.
U9+ practice twice a week.

Due to the number of kids we have in the program, we typically start practices at 5:00pm or later and ends at dark. Your child’s practice session will fall in that time frame during the week. The coach determines the day, time and location within the constraints of what is available.

Question 7

CAN MY CHILD PLAY UP AN AGE GROUP?

Accepted Answer

Yes, players have the option to ’play up’ in the next older age group so that they can be placed on the same team as their school mates or their skill level is more advanced than their respective birth year peers. If you want to do that be sure to check the ’request to play up’ option when you register (this must be done each season).  Important to note you cannot elect to ’play down’ in a younger age group as CYA Soccer follows US Youth Soccer rules & guidelines.

Question 8

HOW MANY PLAYERS ARE ON EACH TEAM?

Accepted Answer

U4-U5 plays 2v2 (no goalkeepers). U6 plays 3v3 (no goalkeepers). U7 - U8 plays 4v4 (no goalkeepers). U9 - U10 plays 7v7 with goalkeepers. U11 - U12 play 8v8 and U13 - U19 play 11v11. Small sided play has been mandated by Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) and strongly supported by CYA Soccer.

Question 9

CAN I REQUEST A SPECIFIC COACH OR TEAM?

Accepted Answer

CYA Soccer tries to accommodate requests for team assignments however it is simply not always possible - in particular if you sign up after the coordinators start putting the teams together your request is unlikely to be met. If you have a specific request to be with friends or a particular coach, please add it to the ’special requests’ section of the registration form when you register your player. At the start of each season, the coordinators are encouraged to redistribute the players returning from previous seasons. This gives the players the opportunity to experience different coaching styles and to allow them to play with new teammates and make new friends. To the greatest extent possible, teams are formed geographically around the residence of volunteer coaches, taking into account players’ neighborhoods and school boundaries, but there should be no expectation that players will be with the same coach or team in consecutive seasons.

Question 10

DOES THE REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDE A UNIFORM?

Accepted Answer

Yes, beginning with Fall 2025, league play soccer jerseys are included in the season's registration fee.  The jersey set for recreational play includes one purple and one white jersey which are required for game day play.

Closer to the start of the Fall 2025 season, a 'ready for pickup' email communication will be sent to all ACTIVE registrants.  Once that email is sent/received - jerseys will be available for pickup  at the CYA Fieldhouse Monday - Friday 9am-9pm or Saturday/Sunday 9am-3pm.

Please note:  JERSEY NUMBERS WILL BE ASSIGNED, NOT SELECTED.

The remaining uniform items can be purchased online or at any retail store carrying soccer supplies.  These include; shin guards - required for all practice & play, appropriate footwear (cleats are recommended for outdoor play). Black soccer/athletic shorts & black soccer socks complete the uniform.

FYI - outdoor cleats are NOT permitted for practice or play at the CYA Fieldhouse; indoor cleats or sneakers ONLY.

https://youtu.be/baI2OJqHRZY?si=Q9AjpnYSk5qeU8bV

Question 11

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?!

Accepted Answer

We are glad you asked! The success of the CYA Soccer Program depends on our volunteers. CYA is loaded with folks who graciously provided many hours to the community by coaching, coordinating, working on fields and the list goes on. With all there is to do, we always need additional help so please get involved today! Let’s all work to ensure that our children have a safe and positive experience in CYA Soccer. For more information on volunteering, contact the Soccer Administrator at soccer@chantillyyouth.org

Question 12

HOW DO I BECOME A REFEREE?

Accepted Answer

CYA has one of the largest referee groups in the state of Virginia! We encourage people aged 13 and older to join the program!

Additional Detail...
New Referee Training consists of on-line self-training, then a half-day field module. There is an on-line Rules Test that must be passed as well. The Training is run by the State Referee Program, not CYA.  You can do the on-line classes when it’s convenient for you!  Once you finish the on-line modules, you will be able to choose to attend the field module that works for your schedule.  To be eligible, you must be 13 years old. Cost to take the class is $85.

To begin, follow the link on the State Referee Program website:  https://vadcsoccerref.com/instruction/path-1(https://vadcsoccerref.com/instruction/path-1)

Please note that the CYA Referee Assignors work with you to get you referee assignments that do NOT conflict with your own games! Spring 2025 games will begin April 5.

If you have any questions about the CYA Soccer Referee Program, please contact Alan Liotta at cyasoceref@aol.com (mailto:cyasoceref@aol.com)or Phil Yanchulis at cyaphil@chantillyyouth.org.(mailto:cyaphil@chantillyyouth.org)

Question 13

WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL SOCCER?

Accepted Answer

Travel Soccer is a more competitive level of play. If you are interested in learning more about our Travel Soccer program, please contact Virginia Valor FC and they will connect you with the right coach!  Email info@virginiavalorfc.org or visit www.virginiavalorfc.org

Question 14

WHO DETERMINES FIELD CLOSURES?

Accepted Answer

Fairfax County determines field closures based on weather conditions such as snow/ice, and CYA Soccer will make a call based on weather conditions as well. You can also contact your coach directly if you cannot find info on Facebook or Twitter. Fields are closed because of inclement weather or sometimes, even on sunny days when the fields are saturated. CYA has no control over county field closings yet these closures must be adhered to.

Question 15

HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT FIELD CLOSINGS?

Accepted Answer

CYA Soccer will announce all field closures via social media and e-mail distribution. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay completely up to date. You can find the links to our social pages on the top right corner of our page. You can also contact the Park Authority Hotline: 703-324-5264. Finally, send a note to your coach if you don’t hear from him/her directly.

Question 16

HOW DO I GET COACHING EDUCATION INFORMATION?

Accepted Answer

For the D and Grassroots licenses and the Youth Coaching Modules contact VYSA at www.vysa.com. CYA often sponsors courses for these licenses. For A, B, & C licenses and National Youth Licenses, please contact US Soccer at www.us-soccer.com or 312.808.1300 and ask for the Coaching Department.

Question 17

WHAT ABOUT JEWELRY?

Accepted Answer

For safety reasons, no jewelry of any kind will be worn by players. Necklaces can be grabbed and cause injuries, rings can get caught on uniforms or scratch faces, earring posts can be pushed into heads if struck by a ball EVEN when covered by tape. Your player’s safety is our utmost priority and these rules will be strictly enforced by CYA coaches and gameday referees.  Players wearing earrings and other posts must remove them for games or practice. This includes starter earrings and other posts.  The only exception are medical alert items reviewed and deemed safe by practice/play assigned coach and/or gameday referee.

If your player is considering a piercing, please target off-season that permits the suggested healing time before the post is removed.

Question 18

CAN MY CHILD WEAR EYEGLASSES, CASTS OR RELIGIOUS JEWELRY?

Accepted Answer

Glasses for corrective vision may be worn provided they are properly secured. Sport glasses are highly recommended. Casts are allowed provided that these are wrapped in a plastic bubble protector or other similar type of covering that offers protection, and under the condition that the player shall not use the cast in any manner that would endanger the safety of the players on the field. Referee’s will determine if the cast has been covered appropriately and will determine if a player will be allowed to play in a game on a case by case basis. In these cases, the referee’s decision is final. The Referee permits medical bracelets or jewelry of a clearly religious nature provided they are not deemed dangerous or pose any danger to the players on the field. If approved, these items shall be taped down. Clear tape provides the most visibility for medical bracelets. All other jewelry is not allowed.

Question 19

HOW ARE THE AGE GROUPS ORGANIZED?

Accepted Answer

Age groups are based upon the child’s birth year and Virginia Youth Soccer Association age guidelines. The major groupings are Bantams (U4-U6), Academy (U7-U8), Junior (U9-U12) and Senior divisions (U13+).

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fcdf94_12583ae94cb54a6f8eaa653b0ba2159a~mv2.png

Question 20

HOW DO I COMMUNICATE WITH CYA REGARDING A BEHAVIOR ISSUE FOR A COACH, PARENT, PLAYER OR REFEREE?

Accepted Answer

Contact us immediately. CYA Soccer has a zero-tolerance policy for unsportsmanlike conduct.  EMAIL soccer@chantillyyouth.org

Question 21

ARE CYA COACHES "PROFESSIONAL" COACHES?

Accepted Answer

Our recreational coaches are usually parent volunteers some of which have coaching licenses or certificates and participate in a pre and mid-season coaching seminar with our professional coaching staff. Each coach is encouraged to complete a licensing program prior to coaching. This training provides them with the tools they need to develop and coach the players on the team. CYA will reimburse our volunteer coaches for the cost of coaching license classes. Contact soccer@chantillyyouth.org (mailto:soccer@chantillyyouth.org)for more information. CYA Soccer also has professional staff coaches to provide assistance and training to both coaches and players. If you are interested in coaching, contact the division coordinator for the desired age group or soccer@chantillyyouth.org.(http://soccer@chantillyyouth.org/)

Question 22

WHO REFEREES THE GAMES?

Accepted Answer

Trained and certified referees referee all of our U8 and up age groups. Coaches/Parent volunteers facilitate the games for the U4-U7 age groups.

Question 23

CAN I GET A REFUND?

Accepted Answer

REGISTRATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. Exceptions to this policy - and the amount to be refunded, if any - may be made at the discretion of the Sport Coordinator on a case-by-case basis for reasons such as injury (prior to season start), moving out of the area or being accepted onto a high school team. Registration fees are refundable (including late fee & service fee) if CYA does not field a team, sport or if the player's registration status is WAITLIST after the start of the season.

No refunds will be made for cancellations due to inclement weather or other circumstances beyond our control. While all efforts are made to schedule and reschedule soccer events (practices, games, tournaments, etc.), we cannot guarantee all events will occur due to variables beyond our control.

Question 24

WHAT IS THE SUBURBAN FRIENDSHIP LEAGUE (SFL)?

Accepted Answer

The Suburban Friendship League (SFL) is a recreational soccer league that includes teams from throughout the Northern Virginia area and DC and Maryland. The SFL season is 8 games and an end-of-season tournament, weather permitting. Only teams in the CYA Senior Program (U11 - U19) play in SFL.

AS OF SPRING 2024 NCSL WILL BE ASSUMING THE ROLE OF SFL - MORE INFO TO COME!

Question 25

WHAT ARE THE FIELD SIZES?

Accepted Answer

Field sizes vary by age group. The U.S. Youth Soccer Association recommends the following: For U4-5/6/7: 20x30 yds.; U8/9: 30x50 yds.; U10 50x70 yds.; U11-U19: play 100x50 up to 120x80 yds.

Question 26

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO BUY?

Accepted Answer

It's best to shop early to ensure your player is ready for the season.  Items can be found online, at Dick's Sporting Goods, Target, etc.

• Soccer Shin Guards. Required and MUST be worn under the player's socks, not on top (where they can come loose and become a tripping hazard for themselves and other players).
 • Soccer cleats are recommended for outdoor play. Diamond sport, American Football, Rugby and other non-soccer cleats are NOT permitted due to the additional stud at the toes of the cleat.
 • Black soccer/athletic shorts.
 • Black soccer socks (longer to cover shin guards).
 • Age appropriate sized soccer ball; Size 3, Size 4 or Size 5.
 • CYA Soccer Jerseys are available at the CYA Fieldhouse.(www.cyafieldhouse.org)

Question 27

WHAT SIZE BALL SHOULD I BUY?

Accepted Answer

U4 – U8 Size 3, U9 – U12 Size 4 and U13 and up Size 5.

Question 28

ARE NOISEMAKERS PERMITTED AT GAMES OR PRACTICE? NO.

Accepted Answer

Noisemakers
Use of horns, wooden clappers, sirens, power megaphones and other noisemakers is banned at games and not suggested at practice.  For the Senior/NCSL Division teams, use of noisemakers by anyone at a game could result in their respective team's forfeiture of the game in play.

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